History of Fingerstyle Technique

Fingerstyle guitar is often thought of as a style rather than a technique of
playing the guitar. Here at Fingerstyle Guitar, we do not consider it a specific
style; but rather, a technique that covers any and all musical genres. For our
purposes, fingerstyle is the plucking of the strings with the right hand fingers,
not a pick. (It would be playing with the left hand, if you play left-handed.)
Variations, such as angle of the wrist and playing with fingernails do occur; as
opposed to all flesh and a thumb-pick or bare thumb. There are also variations in
the sitting position and the instrument of choice, steel string, nylon or
electric.

The technique of plucking the strings with the fingers came from the lute and
vihuela, guitar's distant cousins. The vihuela was a guitar-like instrument that was
commonly found in Spain, Portugal and Italy and dates back to the 15th century.
It's interesting to note that the tuning is the same as the modern guitar with the
exception of the third string being tuned down a half-step from G to F#. It is also
interesting to note that the scale technique of alternating between the thumb and
index fingers, in the Chet Atkins style, is the same as lute technique. Strumming
technique was used by lute and vihuela players. The lute was played throughout
Europe. It's not known how far back it dates; at least to the 12th century.

Elvis Presley and the Beatles sold more guitars than anyone in history. Chet
Atkins and Andres Segovia, showed the world the true level of music from a skilled
guitarist. Each generation benefits from those who came before it. Fingerstyle
Guitar's mission is to honor the legends of the fingerstyle guitar style of playing
and to give exposure to the top players of past, present and future generations.

The following list represents an overview of fingerstyle guitar music and its
players, in the last seventy years. This is not meant to be a complete historic
documentation.

The categories list many of the most important names in the history of fingerstyle
guitar playing. This is an overview and not a complete list of the many talented
players. We strongly recommend you investigate each of the names listed and we
encourage you to dig into it with greater depth. It's important to note that many
players cross into multiple categories; however, for our purpose, they are listed
in only one.